Gambia win 2005 U-17s bid

Nigeria are the current African Under-17 champions

By BBC Sport Online's Lamin Cham in Banjul

Gambia has been granted the right to host the 2005 African Under-17 football championship by the Confederation of African Football, Caf.

This the greatest thing to have happened in our soccer history

Gambia sports minister Samba Faal

A letter addressed to the Gambia Football Association (GFA) stated that Gambia has been given the authority after a thorough examination of all bidding nations.

Gambia's sports minister, Samba Faal, said he was delighted at the news.

"This is the greatest thing to have happened in our soccer history," he stated.

"I think this would help boost our soccer image, expose our players to the world and even encourage tourism and foreign investment.

"I would now called on all to work hard from now so that we could use this chance to win the trophy," Faal added.

For his part, GFA secretary general Jammeh Bojang said the 2005 event should bring the much needed progress to the Gambian game.

"I am extremely delighted about the Caf decision," he said.